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September 2015 Moms
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Covering ears?

shelbyddshelbydd member
in September 2015 Moms
sorry I've been mia for a couple of months, it's been crazy for me.

For several months LO has fidgeted with his ear as a sign that he is tired. Then about a month ago he started covering his ears with his hands. The child has been teething basically nonstop since 6 months old (I'm not exaggerating either, he has 14 teeth already, including a few molars) so I kind of just attributed it to that. But he does it A LOT now. And he isn't pulling on them or anything, he's literally just holding his hands over his ears. It doesn't happen when there's loud noise or anything. He does it at totally random times like during meals or while laying on the changing table. If I do it he turns it into a little game where he'll pull his hands away and I just repeat him which he seems to get a kick out of..

anyway, this is basically at the top of the "early sign" lists for autism which I'm always worried about (I have a brother who is nonverbal on the spectrum) so I guess I'm just looking for a little reassurance that my son isn't the only one that does this?
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Re: Covering ears?

  • mrscate88mrscate88 member
    Hey girl, I'd mention it to the doctor at his next appointment and leave it at that. My baby fidgets with her ears and her hair a lot. She doesn't really cover them, but definitely plays with them. Every little thing is a sign of autism now and we just can't let that make us crazy. I get the importance of acknowledging red flags to help detect serious issues, but I wouldn't stress unless his doctor is concerned about it. Hope you're doing well mama!
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  • PinkPrincessPiperPinkPrincessPiper member
    The only things I can think of from experience with my 3 kids are things you seem to have ruled out. My middle kid hates loud noises, or when people raise their voice, he covers his ears. It's a sensory thing for him; sounds are amplified & cause mild to moderate anxiety.

    My littlest, Piper, doesn't like her hair in her ears, so she fusses with it. I'm going to attempt to give her a trim around the ears, so hopefully that will help. 

    Allergies/teething could cause possibly cause him to have TMJ or ear pain in that way, but I'm 100% with @mrscaterosales that you should definitely check with his pediatrician, especially given the family history. 

    Good luck, Shelby! <3 
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  • akdewaldakdewald member
    He may just have some sensory issues. My daughter did this. She is not autistic. She just cant stand to many things going on at once. She is hypervigulant to things we tend to tune out like a light flickering light or low humming noises. She can pick those things up super quick. The technical terms for it are sensory processing disorder and sensory overload disorder. Her doctor said she could out grow it which she did at around 5.  
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